It’s currently summer here in the Northern Hemisphere and things are getting very hot indeed, especially for those of us who are at Gamescom in Cologne. We thought for this week’s devlog we’d cool down a bit and take a look at some of the effects cold weather will have on you, your truck, and the world in Alaskan Road Truckers.
Come and chill with us!
Ice to See You
Alaska is a region of the world that harbors wildly varying weather. In some seasons you may have little more to deal with than the occasional patter of rain but when winter rolls around, you’ll find things a little trickier out there on the road.
Snow and ice can make completing even routine journeys difficult. When ice starts to appear you’ll find your traction difficult to maintain, especially when you’re trying to haul a heavy load up a hill. Thankfully throwing iron (using snow chains) can provide you with the grip you need to get through.
With deep snow to contend with and reduced visibility due to blizzards, it can get extremely hairy when you're trying to navigate Alaska and control several tons of diesel-powered metal.
Engines can be temperamental things. When the frost really starts biting you may have trouble starting your truck at all. Make sure you’ve got your radiator cover with you if you’re planning on stopping anywhere to give your engine a little cozy hug to ensure it starts up.
The effects of cold don’t just stop there. If the temperature drops too much you’ll find your windscreen wipers frozen solid, unable to clear any potential blizzards that might be hitting you. The only option you’ll have is to get out of your truck and try and scrape them clean - but are you prepared to head outside in the frozen north?
A Frosty Reception
In Alaskan Road Truckers you play as a trucker, not as a truck. This means that the effects of the climate will affect you as well as your vehicle. You’ll have to maintain your temperature to keep your health up, let that drop too much and you’ll have a trip to the emergency room in your future.
You can stay warm in a variety of ways. First off you’ll have your heater in your cab - keep that running when it’s cold and you’ll keep the worst of the frost from biting you. Dressing appropriately for the weather is also something you’ll have to take into account, put a sweater on to stay warm.
If you have to get out of your cab and enter the cold you’ll have to be extremely aware of the dangers that frosty weather can inflict on you. Keep your journeys outside of safety quick and return to your truck whenever you can to stave off the cold. Your truck isn’t just your home away from home - it’s your sanctuary, where you can get a hot meal, turn on a heater, and get some precious hours of shut-eye.
Of course, knowing all this won’t help you if you’re not prepared for the worst that Alaska’s climate can throw at you. If you get trapped by an avalanche, your battery dies, a tire bursts, and you’re miles away from civilization, it can start to get very dark and very cold very fast.
If you’re heading out in winter, make sure you have what you need to jury-rig some repairs on your truck and stock up on food to make sure you come back in one piece. We’re counting on you, trucker.
Alaskan Road Truckers Release Date
You might’ve seen earlier in the week but we have a release date for PC! Alaskan Road Truckers will be released on Steam on October the 18th, 2023. Start your engines, you’ve got some driving to do.
If you’re looking to play on console or another platform, we’ll have news for you soon about release dates - you won’t be waiting long, we promise.
Alaskan Road Truckers at Gamescom 2023
Today marks the third day of Gamescom 2023 and our booth has been buzzing - here's a pic of our booth! If you’re attending, why come by our stand at Hall 06.1, Stand C-043 and have a wheel-y good time with us.
Stay in Touch
There’s only one thing left to do here and that’s to tell you to wishlist us on Steam - every wishlist helps us make the game a success and will keep you up to date with updates and more. So hit that wishlist button!
We have a release date! Alaskan Road Truckers will be releasing for Steam on the 18th of October, 2023.
Check out our brand new release date trailer here:
It's been a long road but we're nearly at our destination! We're so excited to be able to share our game with you all and we can't wait for you to begin trucking and surviving in the wonderful state of Alaska.
Console players will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on Alaskan Road Truckers - we'll have news about a release date for console soon.
Gamescom 2023
Don't forget if you're at Gamescom this year you can come and say hi to the team and play the game right there at our stand. You'll find us at Hall 06.1 Stand C-043 - we'd love to see you.
Stay in Touch
Now's the perfect time to head over to the store and smash that wishlist button - every wishlist helps us out!
The icy winds are swirling around us, snow is up to our knees, our mouths are dry, our limbs are weary, and our stomachs empty. No, this isn’t just a complaint about adverse weather conditions, we’ve been playing Alaskan Road Truckers.
One of the key gameplay features in our game revolves around survival - you’ll not just be taking care of your truck and your cargo, you’ll need to look after yourself too.
Staying alive isn’t just a Bee Gees song, stay healthy in Alaskan Road Truckers with our Alaskan Survival Guide!
A Vision of Health
Alaska isn’t always the safest of places to be, especially when you’re heading out into the wilderness to deliver cargo to some distant location. In Alaskan Road Truckers you’ll have to watch your health meter carefully in order to stay alive and keep yourself going against the odds.
There are many ways to take damage, just like in real life. For example, if you smash up your truck or get into a crash you’ll get wounded and lose health. Or if you head out into a blizzard without adequate protection you should be prepared to watch your vitality plummet.
Lose too much health and you’ll be heading to the hospital. The friendly medical staff in Alaska will happily patch you up - for a fee. You’ll also lose time and be transported away from where you were, so if you were on an urgent job you may fail it or have to take a riskier route to get your cargo there on time.
It’s Dinner Time
Everyone likes a good meal and in Alaskan Road Truckers there’s plenty of food to gorge yourself on. You’ll have to stay fed if you want to sustain yourself on the road, and thankfully there are plenty of delectable choices to enjoy.
Refueling your truck is essential and refueling yourself is just as important - but the quality of your food is also important. Sure, you can snack away on hot dogs and snaffle frozen pizzas and energy drinks but too much junk food and you may get a tummy ache and that might have health implications if you don’t deal with it.
Thankfully there’s plenty of good, healthy food you can eat in Alaskan Road Truckers. Often though this may be more expensive or require some preparation, so if you’re on the road and you’re running on empty, you might have to resort to some top quality gas station dining.
You’re Finally Awake
Driving can take it out of you. Hours spent behind the wheel, managing the weather, road conditions, and dealing with other drivers can test your ability to stay awake and alert.
In Alaskan Road Truckers you’ll need to take breaks and get some well-earned shut-eye to recover your energy levels before you hit the road again. You can pull over to the side of the road and get some sleep in the bed in the back of your truck but the quality of rest you’ll get is less than if you slept at your base or at a motel. Your energy levels won’t recover to their maximum if you’re not resting properly.
But if you’re stuck out in the snow, avalanches ahead and ice underneath, you might need to crawl into the back of your cab to snatch a few moments of rest to wait out the storm. Some rest is better than no rest!
Now you should be equipped to keep yourself alive and healthy when out in the vast Alaskan wilderness - good luck on the road, truckers!
Life on the Road Gameplay Trailer
As you wait for the next devlog why not feast your eyes on the latest trailer for Alaskan Road Truckers. The Life on the Road Gameplay Trailer shows more of the threats and peril awaiting you on the road - and gives you hints of what you’ll need to do to survive.
Get an eyeful here:
Alaskan Road Truckers at Gamescom 2023
As we announced earlier, we’ll be at Gamescom 2023 where attendees will be able to get their hands on an exclusive preview of Alaskan Road Truckers! So if you’re in Cologne this August - come by our stand at Hall 06.1, Stand C-043 for some trucking good fun.
Stay in Touch
With the game getting ever nearer to launch, now’s the perfect time to add Alaskan Road Truckers to your wishlists. You’ll get all the news about development right in your Steam library AND when the game launches, you’ll be first to know.
Hey there, fellow truckers! Buckle up, because it's time to dive into the latest developments of Alaskan Road Truckers! We're thrilled to be back with a jam-packed update that will have you revving your engines in excitement.
NEW TRAILER LAUNCH
The sun is rising over the rugged Alaskan landscape, the rumble of massive engines filling the air, and the anticipation of the open road stretching out before you. It's not just a dream – it's a sneak peek of the incredible journey you're about to embark on in Alaskan Road Truckers!
Today, we're beyond excited to unveil our brand-new trailer, showcasing the heart-stopping action, stunning vistas, and challenging missions that will define your experience in the game. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of big rigs, tough routes, and the thrill of conquering the wild Alaskan frontier.
SAVE THE DATE: ALASKAN ROAD TRUCKERS ON GAMESCOM 2023!
Mark your calendars and get your map pins ready! Alaskan Road Truckers is gearing up to make its debut at Gamescom 2023 in Cologne this August. That's right, we're heading to one of the biggest gaming events of the year, and we can't wait to share our game with you in person. Swing by our booth in the Hale 06.1, stand no. C-043 to meet the team, chat about the game, and maybe even win some cool swag.
As always, we want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible community for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping Alaskan Road Truckers into the thrilling experience it's becoming. We're trucking full speed ahead to bring you an unforgettable gaming adventure, and we can't wait for you to join us on this journey this Fall 2023!
Stay tuned for future updates as we forge ahead on the roads of Alaska. Until then, buckle up, keep those engines roaring, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Over the last few weeks, we’ve managed to move Alaskan Road Truckers from advanced Alpha to Beta. This transition means that the majority of in-game content is finished, and we can shed some light on the essence of a true Alaskan Trucker: your daily jobs and assignments!
In Alaskan Road Truckers, you will be able to step into the boots of a trucker and choose missions and types of cargo to deliver. Your trucker’s goal will be to deliver different cargo types, which will require you to adjust your route, speed, or truck to fit the purpose. Let’s take a look at a selected few 👇
Fuel and Oil
As essential supplies to keep the Alaskan communities running, fuel and oil deliveries take on added importance. Manage your fuel levels wisely and avoid mishaps, as the repercussions of running out of gas in the wilderness can be dire.
Construction Materials
With new construction projects sprouting across Alaska, transporting construction materials becomes a lucrative endeavor. These loads are heavy, and you'll need to exercise extra caution while navigating the rugged terrains.
Vehicle Transports
Embark on a special challenge by transporting a variety of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to other trucks, and even tanks! Be prepared for narrow passages and potential obstructions along your route.
Mining Supplies
Keep the Alaskan mining industry thriving by delivering much-needed mining equipment and supplies. Expect rough roads and challenging routes to some remote mining locations.
Logging Equipment
The lumber industry is booming, and you play a vital role in delivering heavy logging equipment to remote sites. Maneuvering these massive loads through tight spaces demands expert driving skills.
Luxury Items
Deliver luxury goods to the high-end markets of Alaska's major cities. Your driving finesse is crucial in ensuring these expensive loads arrive undamaged.
Each cargo type presents unique challenges and rewards. As you successfully complete deliveries, you'll unlock new truck models, upgrade options, and earn your reputation among the Alaskan trucking community!
Stay tuned for future updates as we forge ahead on the roads of Alaska. Until then, buckle up, keep those engines roaring, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Alaska is one of the most varied and wildest regions left on our planet. Despite being inhabited for many thousands of years, it still has vast tracts of space that humanity has barely touched.
When you play Alaskan Road Truckers there’ll be plenty of times where you’ll find yourself far from civilization, delivering cargo or just out there exploring the wilds.
But just because there are no other humans around doesn’t mean you’ll be alone. We’ve been busy populating the wilderness with animals, making the world of Alaskan Road Truckers feel more alive than ever.
As you travel, you’ll catch glimpses of mighty Wood Bison and graceful Sitka Deer out there amongst the foliage. They’ll disappear into the undergrowth or flit between trees in the dense forests. Just like real fauna they won’t let you get too close to them but they’ll be there in the distance, adding animal life to our expansive vision of Alaska.
You don’t pose a danger to these creatures and neither do they pose a danger to you, but we do advise you to not get too carried away when spotting animals - keep your eyes on the road, trucker!
As we work on getting Alaskan Road Truckers ready for release, we’ll be seeing these creatures spread throughout the game map. We’ll also be working to add more wildlife in order to make our version of Alaska feel as alive as the real thing. Stay tuned for further updates!
Alaskan Road Truckers Reaches Beta
You may have missed it, but in last week’s devlog we announced that Alaskan Road Truckers has entered the beta phase of development.
What does this mean? It means that we’re making great progress towards the full launch of the game! When a game hits beta, it means that development has entered the ‘make stuff shiny’ phase of game creation. All the nuts and bolts that make up the game are now present, and we’re working on making everything look, feel, and play just right.
Stay in Touch
With the game entering beta and getting ever nearer to launch, now’s the perfect time to add Alaskan Road Truckers to your wishlists. You’ll get all the news about development right in your Steam library AND when the game launches, you’ll be first to know.
Today, we take a different route and present you with an exclusive interview featuring Michał Puczyński, the CEO of Road Studio and one of the masterminds behind the captivating world of Alaskan Road Truckers!
Michał is a seasoned game developer, and with his expertise, he has delved into various game projects, among them the enthralling Alaskan Road Truckers and American Motorcycle Simulator. Passionate about crafting games that balance challenge and reward, Michał has poured his heart and soul into making the Alaskan Road Truckers experience truly exceptional.
In this interview, we will be delving into the realm of a crucial element of the Alaskan Road Truckers gameplay: base upgrades. We'll explore the diverse array of upgrades available within the game, learn how players unlock different buildings, and uncover the multitude of benefits they offer.
Buckle up, fellow truckers, as we embark on this journey to discover the secrets behind Alaskan Road Truckers'!
THE ART OF BASE BUILDING
INTERVIEW WITH MICHAŁ PUCZYŃSKI - CEO OF ROAD STUDIO
What’s the stage of the Alaskan Road Truckers' development right now?
We’re in Beta! This means that everything we wanted to produce for the release day is already there. Now we need to tweak it, make sure it’s all placed where it should, add a layer of polish - and we’ll be ready to release it. Mind that it’s not that easy as it sounds. A friend of mine once said that the final 10% is 90% of the work. But so far we’re doing well and it’s all coming together.
What was the idea behind introducing the base building system in Alaskan Road Truckers?
It’s the place you can call home. You need one in a game that takes place in a large open world. Somewhere to come back to, to feel safe and sound in etc. And to make it feel not just cozy, but also earned, and truly yours, we added the base development options. You can add parking spaces, facilities, upgrade them, and we are considering adding some method of internal decoration in the future.
I mean, when you have a world this big, you can endlessly add stuff to it, right? And while we need to have some kind of goal, a line where we say: okay, that’s enough to release it - we have tons and tons of ideas for what we can add next. We surely want to keep the game grow, so the base might get even bigger than it already is.
What are the different types of base upgrades available in the game?
You can upgrade pretty much every type of facility, for example - your customization workshop. I’m not sure if I should spoil everything now. I’d like you to discover this stuff yourself.
How do players unlock base upgrades?
Okay, so this takes some work. First of all, you need to do some jobs to earn XP. With new levels in three different skill types, you earn points that you can use to unlock perks. Some perks let you build or upgrade your base’s facilities. But having these perks is not enough. You need to afford the upgrades! You can take a loan (which you’ll need to pay off), or you can simply earn by doing jobs. Then, when you’re ready, just sit at your in-game PC, launch the truck management app, and upgrade your base from there.
What are the benefits of upgrading the player's base?
Not spoiling that just yet! Let’s just say that they are all connected to your truck(s), their look, their behavior in different conditions, or their shape.
How do the different buildings at the base interact with each other?
First of all, there are dependencies. Some buildings or upgrades require having other buildings or upgrades. The progression is quite logical. By analogy, you wouldn’t build a roof without having walls first, right? The connective tissue between the buildings, however, is your truck. Or trucks. This game revolves around you and your trucks. Your base already gives you a place to take care of your personal needs, and you can upgrade it with buildings that improve your trucking.
What are some of the challenges involved in designing and balancing base upgrades in Alaskan Road Truckers?
That’s a great question. First of all, you want the player to feel rewarded by upgrading the base, but not necessarily forced to do it at once. There has to be sense of progress, and it has to come quickly enough to not tire you, but late enough so you can appreciate what you already have and long for what you don’t. Secondly, all of the upgrades need to have meaning. They need to introduce something useful, something that expands your experience. And finally, they need to be easy to use, but also organically implemented into the world. We want you to be able to lift your truck to inspect the chassis, but we also want you to do it instinctively.
What upgrades would you recommend doing first?
The beauty of the game is the freedom that you have, so what I choose isn’t universally the best. But I like to choose the workshop first. It makes repairing your truck cheaper than using workshops in towns.
How do base upgrades affect the player's ability to customize their truck?
Well! Should I tell you everything? I guess I can say something about that. We have lots of skins, decals, paint jobs, and parts that you can put on your truck. Not all of them are immediately available though. I think that’s enough information for now. Discover it yourself!
What are your plans for base upgrades in the future?
I wouldn’t like to commit to anything right now because we have plans for future content, and we’re already working on this, but the selection of base upgrades isn’t 100% certain just yet. I’d personally go with decorations because I like to customize stuff in games. But maybe you could tell me what you’d like to see?
Stay tuned for future updates as we forge ahead on the roads of Alaska. Until then, buckle up, keep those engines roaring, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Today, we want to share the progress we've made in recreating the diverse regions and natural landmarks of Alaska. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of rugged landscapes and breathtaking scenery!
Alaska is a land of awe-inspiring beauty, with its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, sprawling forests, and icy tundras. Our goal is to capture the essence of this stunning state and bring it to life within the virtual world of Alaskan Road Truckers. We want players to feel like they are embarking on an authentic journey through the various regions of Alaska.
DISCOVER THE DIVERSE REGIONS OF ALASKA
Explore the diverse regions of Alaska! From majestic mountains to frozen tundras, from dense forests to serene lakes - each region offers its own unique challenges and rewards. We believe that the attention to detail and the dedication we pour into this project will provide players with an unforgettable virtual journey through the stunning landscapes of Alaska. Step into the driver's seat and uncover the wonders of the Last Frontier!
CONQUER CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONS
To further enhance the immersion, we're implementing dynamic weather systems and day/night cycles. Alaska's ever-changing weather, from snowstorms to clear skies, will impact gameplay, offering both challenges and moments of breathtaking beauty. Be prepared to face snowstorms, clear skies, and the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights. Adapt your driving skills to overcome these dynamic weather conditions and experience the thrill of navigating through Alaska's ever-changing landscapes.
BECOME AN EXPERT ROAD TRUCKER
Our dev team is excited to give you the opportunity to step into the shoes of a trucker and embark on the adventure in the wilds of Alaska. Are you ready to prove your skills and unlock the true spirit of an Alaskan road trucker? Let's dive into the thrilling experiences that await you!
Prepare yourself for thrilling contracts that will take you on a journey across the Alaskan wilderness. From delivering vital supplies to remote locations to transporting precious cargo through treacherous terrains, every task will put your driving prowess to the test.
Conquering the Alaskan wilderness means facing some of the most challenging terrains imaginable. You'll need to stay focused and make vise decisions to overcome difficult terrain or unpredictable weather conditions and reach your destination!
We are also giving our players the opportunity to establish and personalize your very own base in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. You have the power to shape your own trucking empire in the Last Frontier. Manage your resources, upgrade the trucks, and build new buildings - each one will serve a different purpose. Get ready to embark on a whole new level of trucking adventure!
STAY IN TOUCH
Stay tuned for future updates as we forge ahead on the roads of Alaska. Until then, buckle up, keep those engines roaring, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
You’ll also have seen and heard us say you play as a trucker - not a truck. For us that’s an incredibly important distinction and goes right to the core of what we want Alaskan Road Truckers to be.
We thought for this devlog that we’d share a little bit about what being a trucker in Alaskan Road Truckers means and what you’ll be doing when you play as a trucker.
Being Some Body
In Alaskan Road Truckers you will become a trucker as you live, work, and survive in Alaska. From the start of the game you’ll pick your character, creating someone entirely yours.
Having a body makes all the difference in Alaskan Road Truckers. Keeping yourself healthy, well-rested, and fed is essential - especially when you’re miles away from nowhere, the night is rolling in, and your truck is stuck in snow.
Of course it isn’t just a case of watching some status bars and filling them up again, you are a physical person in the world of Alaskan Road Truckers and that means a lot for how you’ll interact with our game.
Getting Your Hands Dirty
You’ll be getting hands-on with a variety of systems and tasks both in and out of your truck in Alaskan Road Truckers.
Inside your truck your character will physically reach out to activate things like the parking break, windshield wipers, lights, and all the other dashboard controls. You’ll also be able to turn around and access storage, a little microwave, and even a small area for sleeping.
It’s when you get out of your truck, however, where you’ll really notice why we make sure you know you’re a trucker and not a truck. From maintenance on your vehicle to pumping gas, you’ll have to do it all yourself - it’s not as simple as pressing a button on a menu. We aim to make you feel like you’re there in Alaska, refilling oil and changing tires yourself, rather than behind your computer screen at home.
When you want to restock food, supplies, and other essentials you’ll have to visit a shop on your own two feet to speak to the NPCs who’ll be happy to sell you what you need. You can’t carry it all though - so you have to pick and choose what food, water, and supplies you think you’ll need for your next journey.
When Things Go Wrong
It’s when something goes wrong where you’ll really notice that you’re playing as a trucker and not just a truck.
For example, if you’re driving in the freezing cold there’s a chance your windshield wipers may get stuck. You’ll have to get out of your truck with your trusty scraper to unstick them but this carries with it a ton of risks. Your trucker will be exposed to the elements, your health may suffer and your temperature will definitely plummet. Can you get out, make the repair, and get back into warmth and safety before causing harm to your character?
If a tree blocks the road, you’ll be able to handle it in a couple of different ways. In another trucking game you’d simply plot a new route - and you can do that here too, though it may take more time meaning your delivery is delayed. You can also get out of your truck, grab your chainsaw, and take the tree to pieces. It’s a less safe option to get out of your vehicle, especially out in the middle of nowhere, but potentially the faster one.
It’s choices like these that make Alaskan Road Truckers a truly immersive experience. It’s not enough that you’ll be driving your truck, you’ll also be living as a trucker - with all the risks and rewards that come with it when you’re exploring the Alaskan frontiers.
KEEP IN TOUCH
That’s it for us this week - we’ll be back with more Alaskan Road Truckers devlogs soon. In the meantime, make sure you wishlist us on Steam to keep up to date with everything as we work on getting the game ready for release.
Now we’re even more excited to share the extended version of the trailer with you - an incredible look at what it’ll mean to be a trucker in Alaska. Driving in extreme conditions, managing your business, and fighting for survival in one of the most varied environments on the planet.
Now you’ve seen the trailer, head over to our Steam page and hit the Wishlist button to stay up to date with everything we’ve got planned for Alaskan Road Truckers.